Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com:
The Elgin City Council recently approved a plan to double the city's hotel tax and implement changes that would reduce the number of firefighters per shift, from 34 to 32. This decision has sparked debate over the balance between budget cuts and public safety.
The original budget proposal aimed to increase the hotel tax from 4% to 6%, which would have added about $1.39 to the average room rate. It also included cutting city funding for the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (EACVB). However, after discussions with council members, the city manager proposed raising the tax by 8%, adding roughly $3 per night to hotel stays and generating an extra $240,000 annually.
Elgin has supported the EACVB since the 1980s through hotel/motel taxes and state grants. In 2017, the bureau received approximately $212,500 from the city’s tax. The new budget aims to preserve this support while addressing financial pressures.
A key part of the proposed budget is a $700,000 savings plan in fire department overtime costs. By reducing the number of firefighters per shift from 34 to 32, the city hopes to cut expenses without laying off staff. According to the budget document, this restructuring would allow more ambulances to be available for emergency medical services (EMS), which make up the majority of fire department calls.
Council member Rich Dunne, a former firefighter, expressed concerns that the reduction could lower the city’s Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating and delay emergency response times. He warned that the move might compromise both public and firefighter safety, especially as the department has already lost 12 positions over the past decade.
To offset the $700,000 savings, Dunne suggested alternative cost-cutting measures, such as billing businesses for fire alarm services, leasing equipment instead of buying it, and exploring a health insurance option through the Illinois Firefighters Association. He argued these steps could cover the shortfall without compromising service quality.
Despite his recommendations, the council rejected Dunne’s proposals in a 7-2 vote. The mayor also raised concerns about relying on overtime to fill shifts, a policy in place for 15 years meant to avoid the high costs of hiring full-time staff.
Public hearings on the $259 million 2018 budget and the 2018–2020 financial plan will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday at City Hall. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback. Final approval is expected by December 20. The full budget documents are available online at www.cityofelgin.org/budget.
Thanks, Dan
Aluminum Landing Craft,Aluminium Tenders,Aluminum Hull Rib,Aluminium Patrol Boat
SHANDONG NOAHYACHT CO.LTD , https://www.noahyachts.com